In 1919, its 3,800-some residents created the Patriotic Relief Association to help families suffering because of casualties of World War I (then, of course, called simply the World War). The group solicited contributions, some of which went toward building a memorial, dubbed simply the World War Soldiers and Sailors of Averyville Monument. The 25-foot-tall the memorial, which included four bronze tablets bearing the names of veterans of the war, rose from the base of Grandview Drive.

In 1926, Averyville was annexed by Peoria. Eventually, the monument area became part of the Peoria Park District.

Over time, weather wore down the marker, with lightning zapping the eagle up top. So, in 2013, the park district decided to repair the marker. But it consisted mostly of terra cotta, a clay-like material with which no American restorer had much experience. So, piece by piece — 175 in all — the memorial was taken apart and sent — by truck, then ship — to an expert terra-cotta firm in England. Total cost: $214,000.

Last year, the park district put the puzzle back together. The memorial is back in its original spot, with the original tablets — which pay tribute not just to the fallen soldiers but to a village that is gone, as well.